Patience
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Sometimes the Most Spiritual Thing We Can Do is Pause
In 1 Samuel 24, David shows self-control in sparing King Saul’s life. Two chapters later, he spares Saul’s life once again. It’s evident that he understood the gravity of those two moments; David knew that it wasn’t God’s will for him to take the life of His anointed. So instead of acting in a place… Continue reading
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Did They Think They Were Going to a Picnic?
When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.” – Matthew 26:5-7 There’s something almost winsome about this moment… Continue reading
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The Wisdom to Say Nothing
I’ve noticed over the years that one of the hardest things is stay quiet when we feel misunderstood. Or when someone questions our motives, or we’re criticized unfairly. When part of the story gets told, but not the whole thing. Something in us rises up and says, I need to fix this. I need to… Continue reading
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The Artist and the Windows
We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. – Rom. 6:3-4 There’s an old story about an artist who traveled to Europe – sometimes to Rome, sometimes to France – to study the stained glass in some of the world’s greatest cathedrals. He wanted to… Continue reading
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Sometimes it Takes Faith to Do Nothing
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. – Psalm 37:7 Yesterday we talked about how fear can keep us stuck in our safe routines and convince us that staying put is the safer way to go. We looked at the one-talent servant who let fear bury what God had given him instead… Continue reading
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Can’t Raise a Toast.. So I’ll Raise a Hallelujah!
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. – Psalm 40:2 I don’t think I’ll ever forget what my life was like before Jesus reached down and pulled me out of that dark and… Continue reading
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Mercy and Justice: Was Shimei’s Death Justified?
“And remember, you have with you Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, who called down bitter curses on me the day I went to Mahanaim. When he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD: ‘I will not put you to death by the sword.’ But… Continue reading
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Becoming Hard to Hate
“When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.” Proverbs 16:7 Isn’t life so much more enjoyable when we’re at peace with God? We’re not in such a hurry. We don’t have nearly as much stress. We ignore the little things that normally bother us. We’re much more patient with… Continue reading
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God Will Never Forget About You
Pharaoh’s chief cup-bearer, however, forgot all about Joseph, never giving him another thought. – Genesis 40:23 Have you ever had somebody promise to do something for you, and then – just like that – they forgot all about it? That’s exactly what happened to Joseph. The chief cup bearer, thrilled to be released from prison,… Continue reading
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What if We Considered Our Suffering a Privilege?
You have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. – Philippians 1:29 Have you ever considered that trusting God and suffering for Christ can go hand in hand? This question challenges us to look beyond our pain and see God’s purpose in it. As… Continue reading
About Me
Welcome! I’m Scott (aka Former Blackout Artist), and I’m so happy you decided to drop in! I hope you find the content here spiritually enlightening and uplifting. Most of all, I hope that my love of Christ is revealed through my writing and that it encourages you in some way today. Thanks for stopping by!
Former Blackout Artist 